Review of Sleeping Beauty at Bristol Old Vic
Posted on: 2015-12-03
Our rating:
Continuing Bristol Old Vic?s tradition of providing fabulous Christmas entertainment this delicious performance combines witty dialogue, innovative story-telling and visual delight to create a phenomenal piece of musical theatre.
We all know the story. A beautiful princess - having been cursed by an evil fairy - pricks her finger, falls asleep for 100 years and can only be woken by love's true kiss. It’s romantic, it’s dreamy and it’s not the story being told at Bristol Old Vic this Christmas!
Their festive family offering takes the traditional story of Sleeping Beauty and shakes things up, giving the tale an exciting contemporary twist. Here our male beauty is ruthlessly tricked into a deep sleep before being accidentally woken by the actions of an unsuspecting girl administering first aid.
Director Sally Cookson (Treasure Island 2111, Peter Pan 2012) makes a triumphant return to the Old Vic with this sparkling tale based in part on the famous fairy tale but also drawing inspiration from the traditional Welsh folk tale The Leaves that Hung but Never Grew. Key elements of both stories are mixed together to create a new and truly unique version of Sleeping Beauty.
This joyful production sees roles reversed as the cossetted and pampered Prince Percy is thrown out of his comfort zone and life of luxury. He is forced to team up with the courageous and feisty young girl Deilen, who wakes him from his magical snooze to embark on a battle with the ‘wise woman’ who cursed him and to ultimately discover the mystical tree with leaves to cure any ill, including Deilen’s broken heart. This is a tale of friendship against adversity, of loyalty, tenacity and how we are all stronger when we have people in our lives willing to support us.
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While not a traditional pantomime this production ticks all the boxes in terms of style and substance; quirky songs, silly costumes, puppets and some truly awful (in a good way) jokes abound. There is even an evil fairy attempting to thwart our heroes at every turn; cue much booing and hissing from the audience.
Picture Credit. Steve Tanner
The cast do a marvellous job of keeping the show moving with pace and enthusiasm. Embracing the role of Prince Percy, David Emmings displays an easy charm and likeable naivety which contrasts beautifully with the world weary Deilen, played with relish by Kezrena James. She revels in giving a spirited, whirlwind of a performance, while also delivering great depth during moments of poignancy. The leads are backed by a strong ensemble of Old Vic regulars providing solid performances, and a collection of fine musicians giving some genuinely unique renditions of classics such as Living on a Prayer; Bon Jovi they aren’t and trust me when I say it really has to be seen to be believed!
Continuing Bristol Old Vic’s tradition of providing fabulous Christmas entertainment this delicious performance combines witty dialogue, innovative story-telling and visual delight to create a phenomenal piece of musical theatre. Suitable for all the family (though the theatre recommends it for over 7's due to some slightly dark content), this is a must see production exuding humour, warmth and providing just the right amount of festive family fun to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Sleeping Beauty runs until 17th January 2016 and is a Christmas treat not to be missed.
5/5
Reviewed by Sarah-Jane Howard for the Bristol website.
Picture Credit. Steve Tanner
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
